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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

EG3

Star Member
Mar 6, 2025
31
35
Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?
 

OliverTwist

Distinguished Member
Sep 24, 2023
71
111
Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?
I found the PgDL incredibly intensive when I did it - and many of the part-time students on the course felt the same. Personally, I’d recommend doing it full-time and working for a year either before or after, depending on what suits you best. It’s essentially eight modules of law condensed into a few months. To give myself the best shot, I left full-time work to focus on it and then returned to work while applying for direct training contracts. That said, it really comes down to what works best for you. I can see part-time paralegal work alongside part-time PgDL study being a good option - especially if you hope to do vacation schemes throughout the year.
 

TCLA Community Assistant

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,526
21,760
Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?
Finding part time paralegal work can be difficult - generally there are not a lot of part time roles in the legal sector. If working part-time is important, then you may find other roles/industries that are better suited to what you need.
 
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EG3

Star Member
Mar 6, 2025
31
35
I found the PgDL incredibly intensive when I did it - and many of the part-time students on the course felt the same. Personally, I’d recommend doing it full-time and working for a year either before or after, depending on what suits you best. It’s essentially eight modules of law condensed into a few months. To give myself the best shot, I left full-time work to focus on it and then returned to work while applying for direct training contracts. That said, it really comes down to what works best for you. I can see part-time paralegal work alongside part-time PgDL study being a good option - especially if you hope to do vacation schemes throughout the year.
Finding part time paralegal work can be difficult - generally there are not a lot of part time roles in the legal sector. If working part-time is important, then you may find other roles/industries that are better suited to what you need.
Thanks both!
 
T

Tintin06

Guest
I found the PgDL incredibly intensive when I did it - and many of the part-time students on the course felt the same. Personally, I’d recommend doing it full-time and working for a year either before or after, depending on what suits you best. It’s essentially eight modules of law condensed into a few months. To give myself the best shot, I left full-time work to focus on it and then returned to work while applying for direct training contracts. That said, it really comes down to what works best for you. I can see part-time paralegal work alongside part-time PgDL study being a good option - especially if you hope to do vacation schemes throughout the year.
I've worked in tutoring since 2019. It's a good part-time job option. Many do it alongside the GDL. DM if you'd like more info.
 

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
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